Erbey sworn in to vacant Palmer City Council spot

Following the resignation of Palmer Council member Richard Best last month, Mayor Steve Carrington appointed Ken Erbey to fill the vacant spot. He was sworn in during the April 22 Palmer City Council (PCC) meeting.

Erbey had previously served on the PCC from 2003 to 2015. He will fill the council member spot until the next regular election in October.

Seven applicants filed for vacancy, with many familiar names in the community applying, including Michael Chmielewski, Alison Collins, Amanda Graham, Aundra Omega Jackson, Thomas Frederick Ojala IV, Cachet Teslin Garrett, and Erbey.

Those applying were also asked to answer questions about the the Palmer Library rebuild, their opinions on what they see as top challenges facing Palmer, ideas for revitalizing the downtown area, council dynamics, board experience, and governance.

In his Mayor’s Report, Carrington said that he especially liked Erbey’s description of how council members can find common ground and be respectful of opposing viewpoints and can disagree with someone without being insulting.

“I believe Ken Erbey will be an excellent council member until our October election,” Carrington wrote.

Carrington said that the candidates presented several interesting ideas such as a free parking garage in the downtown area, a new business sales tax discount, and getting the council back to focusing on the business at hand.

In March, Best announced his exit, citing ongoing statements about him from fellow council members and concerns that his presence could be hindering the council's effectiveness amid turmoil over a charge of driving with a revoked license filed after January traffic stop. The charges have since been dropped by State prosecutors.

During council comments, Erbey said he was looking forward working with the council, while reflecting on all of the positives that happened when he had previously served, including building the ice rink, building ball parks at Sherrod Elementary, building the skateboard park, installing the public bathroom downtown, and helped design the Bogard Road extension.

“We did it as a council, as a team. We did it for the city and the people that live here,” Erbey said. “I’m not a Republican, I’m not a Democrat, I’m not a liberal, I’m not a conservative. I’m here as a citizen. I’m here for the best thing for the city of Palmer.”

He also hinted at the tension among councilmembers and is hopeful that everyone can work together and avoid further negative press.

“Palmer’s a small town. It doesn’t have room for the divisiveness.”